Are Beyonce and Timberlake planning intimate London gig?

Rumours mount that two of US's biggest stars will perform together in a 600-seat venue in Islington

RUMOURS that US music stars Beyonce and Justin Timberlake will perform a "secret gig" next month at a 600-seat venue in north London have sent social media into overdrive.

The rumour was started by the Songkick music website today when it tweeted the message: "@jtimberlake @Beyonce and Toto at The Garage (March 31, 2013): London, UK".

The message was removed a few minutes later, but the idea that two of the world's biggest music stars – as well as Toto, the vintage US rock band best-known for its 1983 hit Africa – might play at such a small venue was too enticing to ignore.

A spokesman for The Garage told The Week today it was "not commenting" on rumours about the 31 March show. He said the venue had been bombarded with calls about the gig and he was considering putting a "no comment" message on its answer-machine.

On its website, The Garage describes itself as "the capital's finest indie and rock venue" with a reputation for hosting bands "early in their careers". Artists who have cut their musical teeth at the venue include Radiohead, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and Stereophonics.

Twitter users suggested the secret gig was a possibility because Timberlake and Knowles acted like best friends when they were seated near each other at the Grammy Awards last weekend. Knowles and the US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres introduced JT's performance at the ceremony and Beyonce's husband, rapper Jay-Z, joined Timberlake on stage to perform his new single Suit & Tie.

Timberlake is coming to the UK to perform the same single at the Brit Awards at London's O2 Arena on 20 February. He is playing a full show at London's Kentish Town Forum the same night and there are rumours Jay-Z will again join him on stage. Timberlake's new album The 20/20 Experience is released in the UK on 18 March.